Creationism creeps into UK Schools

by Clam 6 Replies latest social current

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  Clam

  Creationism creeps into UK schools

  NewScientist.com news service 2nd December 2006

  IN THE beginning there was the Discovery Institute in Seattle, Washington, the religious think tank that has backed the US "intelligent design" movement. And lo it came to pass that a group called Truth in Science appeared in the land of the Brit-ites.

  Now, making what most see as a mockery of its name, Truth in Science has circulated material to UK schools aiming to counter the teaching of evolution in science classes. Some 59 schools in the UK are now using the information packs, which promote the notion that life on Earth was created through intelligent design, a euphemism for the biblical story of creation.

  According to The Guardian newspaper in London, the packs include a manual and two DVDs and were sent on 18 September to all the country's secondary schools. "The fact is that creationism, in all its guises, is no longer a quintessentially American problem," says Michael Zimmerman, professor of liberal arts and sciences at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the architect of The Clergy Letter Project, an alliance of Christians who back evolution.

  "Creationism in all its guises is no longer a quintessentially American problem"

  "It is spreading worldwide and has made significant inroads in the UK," says Zimmerman. "The best way to overcome this pernicious situation is for religious leaders and scientists to come together to discuss how religion and science can be compatible - how they use different methodologies to help people understand the world and the human condition," he says.

  LINK - http://www.newscientist.com/channel/opinion/mg19225803.300-creationism-creeps-into-uk-schools.html
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  Abaddon

  Ah, the antics of the KrazyKristianKritters... but given the pretty universal lack of interest in religion in the UK (especially when compared to the USA) Creationism per se doesn't stand a chance. The silver ring thing came to the UK and was generally the subject of ridicule.

  ID, due to it's massive intellectual dishonesty, is more of a threat... it's sort of "NEW Creationism, now with LESS god!", and to those without a good background in the sciences (or experience in critical thinking) can be very decptive.
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  Jourles

  I say have the schools offer both classes or none at all. This way, a student can pick one class between the two based on their own personal/religious beliefs and not be forced to take only one that could seriously offend them or their parents.

  This idea, of course, is worthless if the schools incorporate ID/evolution into their biology classes(as my high school did). If I recall correctly, when my mother found out that we were going over evolution in my biology class, she wanted me to see if I could be excused and go to the library. I do know that I placed two Evolution or Creation books with my teachers.
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  Clam

  My children are exposed to both creationist and Darwinist teachings and ideas at school. They tend to form their own opinions and they enjoy hypothesising about middle ground.

  My 9 year old son once told me that he believed that we were once ape like creatures, but had been genetically engineered by aliens to become homo sapiens. He also says that evolution is going on around us all the time so is pretty irrefutable, but respects people who have a religious faith they follow.

  I want my children to hear all the arguements and form their own opinions.
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  New Worldly Translation

  an alliance of Christians who back evolution

  It still puzzles me how christians reconcile evolution with the teaching of original sin and the need for a ransom sacrifice - Christ. Intellectual dishonesty if you ask me.

  These new christian academies really annoy me, as do faith schools in general. It seems Reg Vardy et al can lever any religious nonsense they like into independent schools as long as they cough up a large wad of cash.
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  Abaddon

  Joules

  I say have the schools offer both classes or none at all. This way, a student can pick one class between the two based on their own personal/religious beliefs and not be forced to take only one that could seriously offend them or their parents.

  Well, if that's then plan we need to have flat-earth options in geography and seperate classes for those who want to learn about astrology or the Earth being the centre of the Universe in science.

  The minute we accept the shallow religious-predicated supersticous nonsense dressed-up as a pseudo science into the classroom we become negligent in our responsibility of care to the children.

  Obviously some people will disagree with this, typically those who don't think Creationism and ID are "shallow religious-predicated supersticous nonsense dressed-up as a pseudo science". But then such people would think that, wouldn't they? It's like Nazi apologists thinking the fact Hoilocaust demial is not taught as an alternative belief to the real history of WWII is unfair.

  The hurt feelings of misinformed people, no matter how sincere they might be, cannot be used to compromise educational standards.
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  nicolaou

  The hurt feelings of misinformed people, no matter how sincere they might be, cannot be used to compromise educational standards.

  Amen!